for purposes of :type:

 

Sad fact is, as mad as we can get at dweebs like Jennifer Hunter, fact is, there are far too many Cleveland people who bash this town... For the heck of it, I've pretended to be from out of town and get the skinny from restaurant or hotel workers, and it's pretty sad.  They'll tell you things like: "it's pretty dead down here (downtown)" and "it's not safe".  "I only come to work here and go home, so I really can't tell you any good places."  "You really need a car, because all the nice spots are in the suburbs."  Really?  you don't use the bus or train?  "Never" they'll say "It's so easy to drive and park; transit's pretty bad around here; I never use; maybe once to the airport years ago..." ... Then, I'll challenge them... Isn't that area -- the Warehouse district, pretty nice?  I've heard good things.  [squirm]  "Well, yeah, sometimes, it's kinda boring; same kinda bars with loud music... [yadda, yadda, yadda]

 

I don't do this, much, but sometimes its a reality check to get the pulse of what Cleveland folk are feeding visitors... I'm not making this up; you ought to try it if you think I am; it's depressing, sometimes... Every no and then, you do run into some who are enthusiastic about the city.  Unfortunately, these are outnumbered by the naysayers... Just fuel for people like Jen Hunter's fire... Damn shame.

Sad fact is, as mad as we can get at dweebs like Jennifer Hunter, fact is, there are far too many Cleveland people who bash this town... For the heck of it, I've pretended to be from out of town and get the skinny from restaurant or hotel workers, and it's pretty sad.  They'll tell you things like: "it's pretty dead down here (downtown)" and "it's not safe".  "I only come to work here and go home, so I really can't tell you any good places."  "You really need a car, because all the nice spots are in the suburbs."  Really?  you don't use the bus or train?  "Never" they'll say "It's so easy to drive and park; transit's pretty bad around here; I never use; maybe once to the airport years ago..." ... Then, I'll challenge them... Isn't that area -- the Warehouse district, pretty nice?  I've heard good things.  [squirm]  "Well, yeah, sometimes, it's kinda boring; same kinda bars with loud music... [yadda, yadda, yadda]

 

I don't do this, much, but sometimes its a reality check to get the pulse of what Cleveland folk are feeding visitors... I'm not making this up; you ought to try it if you think I am; it's depressing, sometimes... Every no and then, you do run into some who are enthusiastic about the city.  Unfortunately, these are outnumbered by the naysayers... Just fuel for people like Jen Hunter's fire... Damn shame.

 

Thats all the more reason to fight back.  a few years abo hotels where complainging about occupancy rates, you wonder why they are so low.  They need to hear this so they can help educated their staffs..  The DCP needs to hear this as well.

 

this kind of negative and inaccurate informaiton affects their bottom line.  when you put it to them like that...they will then understand the need for change.

^ One would think this would be a top priority in the hospitality industry. Employees should be trained at the airport (where I have been told the same negative BS) to the rental car agencies to the hotels.

 

The employees in these industries either just don't care or are not smart enough to figure out that their jobs depend on it. I needs to start at the top, these people need to get educated.

Not to restate the obvious, but I walked from the Theater District to the Chase bank on E. 9 today at lunch and there were people EVERYWHERE. Crossing the streets on the corner felt almost, dare I say it, Manhattan-like. OK, that's a bit of an overstatement, but there were quite a few people. I was crossing with at least 12 people each time.

Not to restate the obvious, but I walked from the Theater District to the Chase bank on E. 9 today at lunch and there were people EVERYWHERE. Crossing the streets on the corner felt almost, dare I say it, Manhattan-like. OK, that's a bit of an overstatement, but there were quite a few people. I was crossing with at least 12 people each time.

 

we need to take some sort of picture of this sometimes--market the city!  I noticed it today too, but of course, it was gorgeous out today..

^ One would think this would be a top priority in the hospitality industry. Employees should be trained at the airport (where I have been told the same negative BS) to the rental car agencies to the hotels.

 

The employees in these industries either just don't care or are not smart enough to figure out that their jobs depend on it. I needs to start at the top, these people need to get educated.

 

Amen to that!  You've got to be pretty thickheaded to, literally, slit your own throat badmouthing your hometown as a hospitality employee.  If I managed such an establishment and caught wind of such talk, the perpetrator would be fired on the spot; no excuses...

It's real easy for knotheads like Jennifer Hunter to get away with comments like hers when she's got a significant amen choir of locals.

^ One would think this would be a top priority in the hospitality industry. Employees should be trained at the airport (where I have been told the same negative BS) to the rental car agencies to the hotels.

 

The employees in these industries either just don't care or are not smart enough to figure out that their jobs depend on it. I needs to start at the top, these people need to get educated.

 

Amen to that!  You've got to be pretty thickheaded to, literally, slit your own throat badmouthing your hometown as a hospitality employee.  If I managed such an establishment and caught wind of such talk, the perpetrator would be fired on the spot; no excuses...

It's real easy for knotheads like Jennifer Hunter to get away with comments like hers when she's got a significant amen choir of locals.

 

I often fault our (no) Growth Association for its plodding, lack of creativity in selling this town -- and there's so much to sell.  Go to Chicago, and there are interactive videos of people all over town (airport, train stations, hotel lobbies), having fun in the city.  And this is Chicago where, seemingly, they shouldn't have to sell their town like ours.  One of our biggest enemies is our, often, lack of ability to think outside the box when it comes to promoting ourselves... Oftentimes, I wonder whether some of the Chamber of Commerce types quietly don't muster a similar contempt for our town as the dunderhead, badmouthing workers.  Like so many key leaders here -- Joe Calabrese please stand up -- so many seem like do-nothings just there for the paycheck, expense accounts and self-aggrandizing personal connections.

this is why there needs to be opportunities for young (or just new) people and ideas to join these organizations, as well as have an impact in other ways.  i don't think many of the existing leaders know (or can learn) how to think differently, positively, etc.

 

but then the airport didn't pick the digital city initiative or whatever it was called.  so, it is hard to say.  you can only run into a wall so many times before talented and motivated people will take their products and energy elsewhere.

this is why there needs to be opportunities for young (or just new) people and ideas to join these organizations, as well as have an impact in other ways.  i don't think many of the existing leaders know (or can learn) how to think differently, positively, etc.

 

but then the airport didn't pick the digital city initiative or whatever it was called.  so, it is hard to say.  you can only run into a wall so many times before talented and motivated people will take their products and energy elsewhere.

 

I think this is pretty right on. I almost think alternative groups need to be formed to totally uproot the system. Unfortunately, when it comes to marketing a place, I guess you have to play ball because #1., there's only so much money to go around and #2., it doesn't make sense have 8,000 different messages. Unfortunately, our marketing strategy seems to be painfully conservative, as proven by those new newspaper ads that were posted in another thread.

 

I just came up with this TV marketing campaign in five minutes:

 

Cleveland: The New American City

 

TV ad concept:

Have an elderly woman sitting with a granddaughter saying: "I never go to Cleveland. There's nothing there, and it's dangerous." Then you can show the 20-something girl out pounding the pavement and having fun in the city. The contrast should be funny, but I'm not patient enough to write jokes right now.

 

TV ad concept #2:

Have text on the screen say: "Why you live here" and then show emotional, personal images, like a dad and sun at a Browns game and a couple going to the symphony and another showing a kid with his face to the glass of a Rapid train in wonderment because public transportation is so cool.

 

edit: This could be expanded. I don't really want to write a whole marketing campaign with a theme, but you could use street teams in colleges around the country. Create a Web site with Web 2.0 thinking, i.e. user-generated content and interactivity.

 

In my opinion, it's the in-region people who need the slapping around. They are handicapping this whole process.

^ One would think this would be a top priority in the hospitality industry. Employees should be trained at the airport (where I have been told the same negative BS) to the rental car agencies to the hotels.

 

The employees in these industries either just don't care or are not smart enough to figure out that their jobs depend on it. I needs to start at the top, these people need to get educated.

 

Amen to that!  You've got to be pretty thickheaded to, literally, slit your own throat badmouthing your hometown as a hospitality employee.  If I managed such an establishment and caught wind of such talk, the perpetrator would be fired on the spot; no excuses...

It's real easy for knotheads like Jennifer Hunter to get away with comments like hers when she's got a significant amen choir of locals.

 

I often fault our (no) Growth Association for its plodding, lack of creativity in selling this town -- and there's so much to sell.  Go to Chicago, and there are interactive videos of people all over town (airport, train stations, hotel lobbies), having fun in the city.  And this is Chicago where, seemingly, they shouldn't have to sell their town like ours.  One of our biggest enemies is our, often, lack of ability to think outside the box when it comes to promoting ourselves... Oftentimes, I wonder whether some of the Chamber of Commerce types quietly don't muster a similar contempt for our town as the dunderhead, badmouthing workers.  Like so many key leaders here -- Joe Calabrese please stand up -- so many seem like do-nothings just there for the paycheck, expense accounts and self-aggrandizing personal connections.

That would be a good project for Cleveland forumers...working with the Cleveland chamber of commerce to find innovative ways of promoting the city for what it has to offer. Everyone's wanting to take urbanohio to the next level, that's the perfect way to do it. Use the media, fight fire with fire. Figure out what exactly Cleveland's identity is and turn it into a national brand.

I think this is pretty right on. I almost think alternative groups need to be formed to totally uproot the system. Unfortunately, when it comes to marketing a place, I guess you have to play ball because #1., there's only so much money to go around and #2., it doesn't make sense have 8,000 different messages. Unfortunately, our marketing strategy seems to be painfully conservative, as proven by those new newspaper ads that were posted in another thread.

 

I just came up with this TV marketing campaign in five minutes:

 

Cleveland: The New American City

 

TV ad concept:

Have an elderly woman sitting with a granddaughter saying: "I never go to Cleveland. There's nothing there, and it's dangerous." Then you can show the 20-something girl out pounding the pavement and having fun in the city. The contrast should be funny, but I'm not patient enough to write jokes right now.

 

TV ad concept #2:

Have text on the screen say: "Why you live here" and then show emotional, personal images, like a dad and sun at a Browns game and a couple going to the symphony and another showing a kid with his face to the glass of a Rapid train in wonderment because public transportation is so cool.

 

edit: This could be expanded. I don't really want to write a whole marketing campaign with a theme, but you could use street teams in colleges around the country. Create a Web site with Web 2.0 thinking, i.e. user-generated content and interactivity.

 

In my opinion, it's the in-region people who need the slapping around. They are handicapping this whole process.

 

I really like those ideas.  It's amazing that the knuckleheads in power can't come up with something that simple and effective.

I really like those ideas.  It's amazing that the knuckleheads in power can't come up with something that simple and effective.

 

I think the problem is funding.  I've said it time and time again, we have no multilayered PR/Marketing campaign, but I then asked myself.  does cleveland have the money?  where can they get the money?  who is actually the creative head behind the campaign?

 

there have been other issues as well.  How do we market Blacks?  Latino's?  Gays/Lesbian?  Teens?  Children?  The restaurant scene?  The fitness scene?  the Natural beauty/parks/outdoor spaces?

 

Yes Cleveland has a decent job market - however, blacks, latinos, gays/lesbians all great economic pluses to a region are not sought after or used to provided insight on our region.

 

There are just so many issues to target.

 

I all honestly, any campaign that is done will be geared towards white, 30/40 somethings who want to live in certain parts of the city.  I.E. were going to continue to market OC, Tremont, the flats and bedamned with the other neighborhoods in cleveland.

 

 

"How do we market Blacks?  Latino's?  Gays/Lesbian?  Teens?  Children?  The restaurant scene?  The fitness scene?  the Natural beauty/parks/outdoor spaces? Yes Cleveland has a decent job market - however, blacks, latinos, gays/lesbians all great economic pluses to a region are not sought after or used to provided insight on our region."

 

You're right that there are so many issues to target and more could be done. However, just so you know, the CVB is putting together a campaign for the LGBT crowd and yours truly will be assisting. Rest assured I will do everything I can to make sure that the message reflects the diversity (gender, race, age, etc.) of the LGBT community in Cleveland.

"How do we market Blacks?  Latino's?  Gays/Lesbian?  Teens?  Children?  The restaurant scene?  The fitness scene?  the Natural beauty/parks/outdoor spaces? Yes Cleveland has a decent job market - however, blacks, latinos, gays/lesbians all great economic pluses to a region are not sought after or used to provided insight on our region."

 

You're right that there are so many issues to target and more could be done. However, just so you know, the CVB is putting together a campaign for the LGBT crowd and yours truly will be assisting. Rest assured I will do everything I can to make sure that the message reflects the diversity (gender, race, age, etc.) of the LGBT community in Cleveland.

 

I'm glad - actually relived - to hear that, 'cause we know you are "ethnic" & "diverse"!  :wink: :wink:

 

Would it be possible for you start a thread on this very subject and let other Cleveland gays/lesbians and our gay friendly supporters, from UO offer any help, give opinions, advice, recommendations, etc.?

 

 

At some point, yes. I'm having my first meeting on Friday so I need to see how much (or little) they need from me before I open the floodgates.

At some point, yes. I'm having my first meeting on Friday so I need to see how much (or little) they need from me before I open the floodgates.

 

Muchas gracias

TV ad concept:

Have an elderly woman sitting with a granddaughter saying: "I never go to Cleveland. There's nothing there, and it's dangerous." Then you can show the 20-something girl out pounding the pavement and having fun in the city. The contrast should be funny, but I'm not patient enough to write jokes right now.

 

I think it would be even funnier if the roles were reversed.  Granddaughter complaining there is nothing to do in Cleveland, and grandma going out partying...

I think the problem is funding.  I've said it time and time again, we have no multilayered PR/Marketing campaign, but I then asked myself.  does cleveland have the money?  where can they get the money?  who is actually the creative head behind the campaign?

 

imo, one of the other challenges is that these organizations seems to immediately set themselves up with many layers, each of which is paid.  So, instead of working themselves out of a job, they view it as an entitlement and don't like it when new ideas threaten their paychecks or control.

 

if money that was being spent on salaries at a number of the "promote cleveland" type of organizations was directed to a volunteer or near volunteer group of business leaders, community leaders, city, county, residents, whatever, i think more could happen, quickly. 

 

but, i don't see this happening, which is why we almost need to start a guerrilla marketing campaign outside of the normal channels.   

 

i don't know where i read it, but someone on another board suggested a similar problem with cleveland wanting to become the alternative energy leader.  instead of promoting things we can do now - like increase solar and wind base, install 1 million compact florescents in the city of cleveland, etc. - the leaders are stuck with the big picture of having to set up an organization, get funding for the positions, etc., and everything is 5 years away.  this isn't how other economic development occurs in other cities. 

 

similarly, i've suggested before, tie tax breaks or abatements to larger regional goals (besides just more housing), and in a few years the marketing will begin to take care of iteself when cleveland has the most LEED certified buildings, has reduced energy consumption by x%, has saved residents XX dollars which is now flowing back into the economy purchasing goods and services (instead of paying utility bills).

 

obviously a lot of my examples are around energy, but i think the same idea can apply to a number of different initiatives across multiple disciplines.

I think the problem is not funding but rather a corporate management style that fails to connect organically with those of us who aren't in the power elite. TeamNeo, the Greater Cleveland Partnership and the Convention and Visitors Bureau are spending TONS of money in creating a comprehensive branding strategy, but you have to contribute at least $100,000 toward the project to have a seat at the table. Of course, they'll be doing surveys and focus groups, but by and large, I don't think Cleveland's Chamber would welcome the participation of young people. And if they did, it would probably be from the emerging Power Elite (e.g. Bridge Builders).

 

Perhaps it's a little naive, but I think we just need to ban together and start really sinking our own personal energy into regular tours of the city ... building off the great work that people like MapBoy (I miss Mr. Good Day) and Blinker are already doing, rather than trying to participate in a branding campaign that a) doesn't necessarily want our participation and b) imho, is as likely to fail as it is to succeed.

I'm really sick of the Believe in Cleveland stuff. It suggests that nobody thinks much about Cleveland. I'd rather have a campaign that starts off from a positive rather than a negative.

"Rather than trying to participate in a branding campaign that a) doesn't necessarily want our participation and b) imho, is as likely to fail as it is to succeed."

 

That's a pretty "Cleveland" (aka jaded) thing to say, don't you think? Don't misunderstand me - I agree that there's an enormous divide of inclusion between people like us, and the entrenched elite who don't seem to get it (or don't want to). I also agree that it's best to do your own thing and if the powers that be catch on and give you support - so much the better.

 

However (and this is just one small baby step of an example) I've been invited by the CVB to assist with their campaign targeting the LGBT community. Ten, hell - five years ago the very concept would have been unheard of. Maybe they're a little late but I think they deserve a little credit for trying, and I would hope that we could at least say "well, it's not my cup of tea but if it works, more power to 'em". If nothing else, we could at least give them credit for realizing that their approach hasn't been working and they're actually doing something about it.

 

I would also caution everyone that the "inclusion" divide goes both ways. In my experience, people in the local architecture/planning circles (both in academia and the industry) can be just as aloof and exclusionary as anyone at the GCP, CVB, etc. 

Congrats on the CVB project ... that's awesome that you'll have a voice in the process. Represent us non-breeders well.

 

And you're absolutely right - the CVB's approaches as of the last few years are a marked improvement. The LGBT strategy and their increasing focus on cultural and heritage tourism is excellent. I've worked quite a bit with a couple of their staff members and it seems to be on the ups.

 

I'm not trying to foo-foo the efforts. It's just my personal belief that:

 

1. Top-down efforts to market a city are not likely to present as accurate a portrayal of the city as those that actively seek out the participation of people from different walks of life.

 

2. When a group of collaborators requires that any organization that wants to substantially participate in the marketing/branding project pony up $100,000, they are actively setting the process up to be exclusionary. I fully believe that people should have skin in the game, but being able to write a check for at least $100,000 (in a pretty short time period) means that only those organizations with substantial budgets are going to have a seat at the table.

 

3. If my viewpoint is a little jaded, it's not an attack on the CVB ... it's my perception of the GCP, its inability to capture the pulse of average Clevelanders and no appearance that the organization is becoming younger or more nimble or more inclusionary (as we have seen the last several years within the CVB).

 

And you're right ... I'm probably being a little exclusionary myself; I just personally feel like I (and a large number of forumers) can have a larger impact by immediately collaborating on grassroots marketing efforts instead of trying to get "inside" a project that has been pretty tightly guarded to date. In the meantime, if their project does achieve its goals, I'll be the first to admit it and celebrate their accomplishments.

I'm really sick of the Believe in Cleveland stuff. It suggests that nobody thinks much about Cleveland. I'd rather have a campaign that starts off from a positive rather than a negative.

 

does anyone remember the campaign St. Louis did a few years back? they were edgy of a sort (and no, i'm not talking about the "back the city, the city is back" campaign.)

I think the young people at Urban Ohio should grassroots the Chamber and Greater Cleve Partnership; it makes no sense to me that the 'old boy' perspective should still persist. It seems a bit better than it was when I moved back to Cleveland in 1997 and called the Economic Devel. Dept and was told uh, no we do not have any written information for the public on what our office is doing .... DUH!  However, they still need to be shaken up a bit!  I'm way old so do not qualify so this is not self serving LOL  And I love Jamiec's commercial idea. The Believe In Cleveland idea excited me when I first heard about it and now it pisses me off -

^You should be taking part in this thread - "What is the Future of Urban Ohio?"

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=11988.0

ok I am off to read it

I'd like to see this video. Put that shat on YouTube, GCP!

I'd like to see it too; hopefully it's going to be more useful than the stirring Believe in Cleveland 'stuff' 

 

I personally would like to see us, Urban Ohio, do what we can to get the powers that be 'off the dime' and implementing (not studying) TOD's. Just my own two cents.

 

from the GCP website

 

Greater Cleveland Partnership shows how a catalyst can help transform Northeast Ohio's economy

 

Cleveland, March 20, 2007 -The Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP), an economic development organization representing more than 17,700 businesses and employers in Northeast Ohio, today detailed its successes and its role in the region's economic recovery at its annual meeting.  Symbolized by the star in GCP's logo depicting a spark, the meeting focused on GCP as a catalyst for building a stronger Cleveland and stronger Northeast Ohio...

  The Greater Cleveland Partnership is involved in many areas of economic development, sometimes making it a challenge to describe our role and impact, said GCP Chairman Frederick R. Nance, regional managing partner of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey. This meeting was an opportunity to highlight our achievements to our members and to the community. The Board of Directors of the Greater Cleveland Partnership realizes that while much more work is still needed to transition the region's economy, the formation of the Greater Cleveland Partnership three years ago has helped accelerate our recovery.

  The Greater Cleveland Partnership was created through a merger of economic development organizations in 2004 to help the region's business community use its most precious resources-time and funds-efficiently and effectively. Serving as a catalyst, the Greater Cleveland Partnership seeks to create jobs and economic vitality by focusing on physical development; innovation and technology; business attraction, retention and expansion; and education and workforce development.

    More than 400 Northeast Ohio community leaders, elected officials, and representatives from GCP member companies attended the meeting on the stage of the State Theatre, Playhouse Square in downtown Cleveland. A presentation from Nance featured several storytellers who interjected personal anecdotes illustrating the importance of the GCP initiatives described during the keynote address. Storytellers included:

 

Melissa Ajamie, a young professional from Akron who was raised by her deaf grandparents, explained how the types of jobs available in a region have the potential to attract workers.

 

Andrew Banks, a minority business owner in Cleveland who, along with GCP, is helping other minority business owners in Northeast Ohio to strengthen their businesses and create jobs.

 

Lisa Logan, owner of Logan Clutch, a small manufacturer whose growth is closely linked to its relationship with GCP's small business affiliate, the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE).

 

Other storytellers where Les Vinney, president and CEO of Steris Corp. and chairman of NorTech; Peter Lawson Jones, Cuyahoga County Commissioner; Deborah Sutherland, mayor of the City of Bay Village; Scott Wolstein, CEO and chairman of Developers Diversified Realty Corp.; and Tom Schorgl, president and CEO of Community Partnership for Arts and Culture.</p> <p>Unveiled at the meeting and available on GCP's website-www.gcpartnership.com:A Catalyst for Change video: The seven-minute video, which explains GCP's role in Northeast Ohio economic development, is hosted by News Channel 5's Leon Bibb and features Woodrow Whitlow, director of NASA Glenn Research Center; Stephanie McHenry, president of Shorebank Cleveland; David Abbott, executive director of the George Gund Foundation; Congressman Steve LaTourette; and Jack Schron, president of Jergens Inc. 2007-2008 Public Policy Agenda: A new focus on the environment and energy, as well as urban issues, is included in the agenda that will guide GCP's advocacy efforts over the next two years.

  Also presented at the meeting was an update on the Greater Cleveland Marketing Alliance's efforts to create a sustained marketing campaign aimed at attracting tourists, businesses, young professionals and others to visit, live and do business in Northeast Ohio. A current list of companies and organizations contributing to the annual $2.5 million fundraising goal was announced. Contributors are: Convention and Visitors Bureau of Greater Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic, Eaton Corp., Forest City Enterprises, Greater Cleveland Partnership, KeyCorp, Medical Mutual of Ohio, National City Corp., Parker Hannifin, RPM International, Sherwin-Williams, Squires Sanders & Dempsey LLC, Team NEO, and University Hospitals.

 

The Greater Cleveland Partnership, the primary voice for businesses in Greater Cleveland, seeks to create jobs and improve the economic vitality of the region. Its priorities include technology, innovation and high-growth businesses; connected physical development; education and workforce development; and business attraction, retention and expansion. The GCP emphasizes service to its more than 17,700 members; advocacy on behalf of members and the region; diversity and inclusion; and internationalization of the region and its businesses.

visit:

http://www.gcpartnership.com

 

 

I'm on the committee that the GCP (actually the GCMA... same people) recruited to create feedback on this stuff... Its a lot of young professionals with regional diversity, but no racial/ethnic/sexual diversity. Mostly white males varying in age from around the region as a whole.

 

To credit it, however, there has been a terrific amount of feedback and I think the message will support the tone and attitude that we're talking about in this forum. I am pretty certain you'll be proud of the work when it comes out. It may take a little time to "catch on" (i didn't care for it at first either), but its a pretty neat concept. I wish I could say more, but we're not unveiling anything else until 4/26/07... I know I don't post very often, but I'll be sure to print out some of the things you guys have written in here and take it to our meeting tonight with the GCP/GCMA... It's in 45 minutes actually... gotta run.

I'm on the committee that the GCP (actually the GCMA... same people) recruited to create feedback on this stuff... Its a lot of young professionals with regional diversity, but no racial/ethnic/sexual diversity. Mostly white males varying in age from around the region as a whole.

 

To credit it, however, there has been a terrific amount of feedback and I think the message will support the tone and attitude that we're talking about in this forum. I am pretty certain you'll be proud of the work when it comes out. It may take a little time to "catch on" (i didn't care for it at first either), but its a pretty neat concept. I wish I could say more, but we're not unveiling anything else until 4/26/07... I know I don't post very often, but I'll be sure to print out some of the things you guys have written in here and take it to our meeting tonight with the GCP/GCMA... It's in 45 minutes actually... gotta run.

 

Then how can they grasp, understand and spread the "true" image of Greater Cleveland/NE Ohio when its a bunch of straight white males making all the decisions?

^hell, you could have said just "white males" and I'd agree with you. One step further, "males"

cityliving:

 

There many good people accross a wide array of ages, races, sexual orientation that have AMAZING ideas that can be executed or can add insight to certain project or processes on varying levels throughtout Greater Cleveland/NE Ohio.

 

How do we get the GCP to look here to UrbanOhio or how can we get infront of them?

ICK ICK ICK.

 

I apologize. I have said this a million times, but the term "young professional" makes me gag! I'm a straight white guy, and I have about as much in common with these guys as a millipede. I'm sure they are fine, well-intentioned people, of course, but they, for the most part, don't share my interests or concerns.

 

This highlights my fundamental frustration with how "the establishment" works here, although I suppose this is how it works everywhere. The whole system feasts on machine-like institutionalism. It's astounding in a city like Cleveland, no black people are ever brought into these discussions. When you look at a conference room full of white people, doesn't someone ask: Are we missing anyone? Just a few months ago, I ate lunch with a 30-something black woman who said when she graduated college, she was leaving this area because she didn't feel welcome. As I sit here in my apartment, I have no idea how to make things more attractive for her. I'd have to ASK!!!!!!!

 

In terms of this regional advertising. I'm going to wait and see what comes out. I have no idea what to expect. I'm a little fearful because CityLiving writes: "It may take a little time to "catch on" (i didn't care for it at first either), but its a pretty neat concept." I'm not an advertising expert, but can you really expect an audience to acquire a taste for your marketing?

 

Now I'm being Debbie Downer, and I'm a positive thinker, DAMN IT!

 

ICK ICK ICK.

 

I apologize. I have said this a million times, but the term "young professional" makes me gag! I'm a straight white guy, and I have about as much in common with these guys as a millipede. I'm sure they are fine, well-intentioned people, of course, but they, for the most part, don't share my interests or concerns.

 

This highlights my fundamental frustration with how "the establishment" works here, although I suppose this is how it works everywhere. The whole system feasts on machine-like institutionalism. It's astounding in a city like Cleveland, no black people are ever brought into these discussions. When you look at a conference room full of white people, doesn't someone ask: Are we missing anyone? Just a few months ago, I ate lunch with a 30-something black woman who said when she graduated college, she was leaving this area because she didn't feel welcome. As I sit here in my apartment, I have no idea how to make things more attractive for her. I'd have to ASK!!!!!!!

 

In terms of this regional advertising. I'm going to wait and see what comes out. I have no idea what to expect. I'm a little fearful because CityLiving writes: "It may take a little time to "catch on" (i didn't care for it at first either), but its a pretty neat concept." I'm not an advertising expert, but can you really expect an audience to acquire a taste for your marketing?

 

Now I'm being Debbie Downer, and I'm a positive thinker, DAMN IT!

 

 

Jamiec....lightbulb went on huh??

 

I know I'm preaching to the gospel choir but....

 

As an educated Black/Latin gay male in a certain tax bracket who is over 40 (God that number hurts to type and read) you can't begin to imagine how I feel!  :x  :x  :x

 

then multiply that by all the

Asians

Latinos

Blacks

Gays

Lesbians

First Generation non English speaking residents/immigrants

Womens interests groups

Teens [14-18] (of all ages, races, sexes, orientations, religions, etc...)

Young Adults [19-23] (of all ages, races, sexes, orientations, religions, etc...)

 

that are not represented!

 

Sidenote...jamiec you should ask that young lady to join UrbanOhio.  we could definitely use more black womens opinions around here.

 

Situations like this is why Cleveland gets such a bad rap as a place to live for minorities.  (ie. the BET poll)

I get frustrated by these sorts of things, but then I think about it some more, and I realize that I am probably expecting too much of institutions and systems. They have an impact on culture, obviously, but "we the people" really are the ones who set agendas and create our society and community.

 

My second frustration is the fact that I can't figure out how I can go from passively adding my 2 cents on the Internet to actually doing something. In my head, I see massive neighborhood makeovers all over Cleveland and the inner-ring. When I was walking around Manhattan again, specifically the East Village, for some reason I kept thinking: Wow, this reminds me of Cleveland in spirit. I just think that in many, many neighborhoods in our city, the true "neighborhood" can still work where you have all the things you need within walking distance an it is vibrant and UPLIFTED not destitute. My personal challenge on all of these things is figuring out how to take my extremely limited resources and big ideas and doing something.

^good thoughts, Jamiec.  I don't have any answers, but we need to find answers to those questions. We need our media outlets to pose these questions in a mature and upfront fashion.

"I'm on the committee that the GCP (actually the GCMA... same people) recruited to create feedback on this stuff... Its a lot of young professionals with regional diversity, but no racial/ethnic/sexual diversity. Mostly white males varying in age from around the region as a whole."

 

So basically a bunch of older hetero white males who have been running the show, are setting up another bunch of hetero white males to continue running the show all to themselves? What the hell is this - 1957? Exactly how are people who aren't hetero, white, or male supposed to feel any sense of inclusion? Or, are they being told (indirectly) that their inclusion isn't needed or wanted? It is incomprehensible and unconscionable that in 2007, there is no diversity (beyond geography) on this committee. If the people at GCP ever wonder why they get the flak they do - it's precisely because of things like this.

 

 

I'm on the committee that the GCP (actually the GCMA... same people) recruited to create feedback on this stuff... Its a lot of young professionals with regional diversity, but no racial/ethnic/sexual diversity. Mostly white males varying in age from around the region as a whole.

 

How did they recruit you guys?

I'm on the committee that the GCP (actually the GCMA... same people) recruited to create feedback on this stuff... Its a lot of young professionals with regional diversity, but no racial/ethnic/sexual diversity. Mostly white males varying in age from around the region as a whole.

 

How did they recruit you guys?

Id like to know that as well.  Seems like an old boy or country club membership review committee.  People all over cleveland should be outraged!

 

Where is that investigative reporter when you need him?!

the city and the community faith based organizations that participate in the weekly food drop offs have to organize their efforts better.  this morning, i watched as multiple tourists, people from the suburbs coming to the city with their children, downtown residents, etc. had to put up with another poorly planned food drop off in front of tower city. 

 

i applaud the efforts to pass out food, clothing and other essentials.  I strongly disagree with the location of the drop off - as much for the homeless and needy as for the visitors and residents.  there is no toilet or wash facility, there is no place to congregate and socialize, there is no place to evaluate health issues, etc.  these organizations (mostly suburban) NEED to work with the city and the churches to provide a better place for this distribution.

 

by the way, i was also asked for money 12 times today and i purposely crossed the street to avoid a few more.  this is not good for the city, and it is not good for the homeless.  does anyone know the exact names of the groups that are passing out this food?

 

 

this guy was helping with the food handout but was strongly panhandled to give some more:

 

 

 

does anyone recognize this car?  part of the problem, not the solution:

 

i can't wait for all of the final four visitors to encounter this crowd next sunday.  i'm sure they will leave cleveland with a very positive impression.

 

the Believe in Cleveland signs for some reason remind me of Budweiser....maybe its the italics i dont know

umm, why didn't you just ask?

 

If you had the time to take pictures, it seems you could have politely asked what organizations are involved with this project.

umm, why didn't you just ask?

 

If you had the time to take pictures, it seems you could have politely asked what organizations are involved with this project.

 

seems like a post pad to me.  if you don't know who is passing out the food, then why question my question asking who was passing it out?

 

if you must know, i took a hundred pics this morning and only felt compelled to post these AFTER i was asked for money 12 times, long after i was lingering on public square.  my original question still stands though: does anyone know the groups involved?

 

 

 

umm, why didn't you just ask?

 

If you had the time to take pictures, it seems you could have politely asked what organizations are involved with this project.

 

seems like a post pad to me.  if you don't know who is passing out the food, then why question my question asking who was passing it out?

 

if you must know, i took a hundred pics this morning and only felt compelled to post these AFTER i was asked for money 12 times, long after i was lingering on public square.  my original question still stands though: does anyone know the groups involved?

 

 

 

 

A post pad?  I have 3000+ post, I don't have anything to prove!

 

I was asking a serious question.  Couldn't you have walked up to one of the people handing out the food and enquired?  I don't know...and I'll leave it at that, damn!

Yeah, I don't know what we can do until we find out who these people are. And then you'd have to delicately insist they work with the groups in Cleveland to do this work properly. Perhaps someone living in the neighborhood would have more impact...

 

 

umm, why didn't you just ask?

 

If you had the time to take pictures, it seems you could have politely asked what organizations are involved with this project.

 

seems like a post pad to me.  if you don't know who is passing out the food, then why question my question asking who was passing it out?

 

if you must know, i took a hundred pics this morning and only felt compelled to post these AFTER i was asked for money 12 times, long after i was lingering on public square.  my original question still stands though: does anyone know the groups involved?

 

 

 

 

 

I think all MyTwoSense was saying is why didn't you tap someone on the shoulder and ask "Do you mind if I ask what group or organization you are with?" Then you could have relayed that info here or whereever. I don't believe he was trying to dis you in any sort of way.

If someone gets me the information about the group or groups involved, I will make inquiries.

attention downtown housing developers. billboard advertising + aggrevated drivers sitting in traffic forced to stare at these billboards and ponder the thought = possible homebuyers